Clopidogrel vs. Effient: What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and Effient (prasugrel) are antiplatelet drugs used for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and death in individuals who have had a previous stroke, unstable angina, heart attack, or have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A brand name for clopidogrel is Plavix. Side effects of clopidogrel and Effient that are similar …
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Clopidogrel vs. Xarelto: What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are blood thinners used for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and death in individuals who have had a previous stroke, unstable angina, heart attack, or have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Xarelto is also used to treat and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and reduce …
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Triglycerides definition and facts High triglyceride levels can be lowered with medication and naturally through diet and exercise. Triglycerides are particles in the blood that transport fat. They come from excess sugar (refined carbohydrate) and fat intake in the diet and can also be made in the liver. Triglycerides are converted into energy in the body; for example, to fuel …
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What is intravenous dobutamine? What is dobutamine used for? Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine. Dobutamine injection is indicated when parenteral therapy is necessary for inotropic support in the short-term treatment of adults with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility resulting either from organic heart disease or from cardiac surgical procedures. In patients who have atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, …
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What is quinapril? What is quinapril used for? Quinapril belongs in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other drugs in this class are enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), benazepril …
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What is nitroglycerin? Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. Nitroglycerin is used in the management of angina pectoris (heart pain). What brand names are available for nitroglycerin? Nitrostat, Nitromist, Nitroquick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Nitronol, and others Is nitroglycerin available as a generic drug? Yes (for some dosage forms) Do I need a prescription for nitroglycerin? Yes …
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What is propranolol? What are the uses for propranolol? Propranolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that is used for treating high blood pressure, heart pain (angina), abnormal rhythms of the heart, and some neurologic conditions. Examples of other beta-adrenergic blockers include metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced and released by nerves in order …
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What is alteplase (TPA, Activase, Cathflo Activase)? Alteplase is an injectable drug, given directly into a vein, that is used to treat conditions caused by arterial blood clots including heart attacks, strokes, chest pain at rest (unstable angina), blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary thrombosis or embolus), and other less common conditions involving blood clots. What brand names are available …
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What is amiodarone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amiodarone is an oral and injectable drug that is used to correct abnormal rhythms of the heart. (It is an antiarrhythmic medication.) Although amiodarone has many side effects, some of which are severe and potentially fatal, it has been successful in treating many arrhythmias when other antiarrhythmic drugs have …
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What is Eliquis (apixaban) and how does it work? Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used for reducing the risk of blood clots in the heart and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation who have no problems with their heart valves (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation). Eliquis is also used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism …
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